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Join a TEAM that places your family and organization first.
Join a TEAM that places your family and organization first.
Dr. Steven James's commitment to service began in high school in San Diego, California, leading him to join the United States Army as a Military Policeman from 1979 to 1982. After his military service, he transitioned into law enforcement, spending nearly 12 years with the San Diego Police Department. During his tenure, he worked in patrol, traffic, and the school resource division before becoming a detective in the domestic violence unit. Following a medical retirement, he sought a new path where he could continue making a difference.
Education became his next calling. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Charter Oak State College and a Master’s in Education Administration from Azusa Pacific University. In 2014, he achieved his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California and proudly identifies as a Trojan. His diverse background in the military, law enforcement, and education continues to shape his approach to leadership, allowing him to serve and support diverse communities in meaningful ways.
Dr. Steven James has dedicated 28 years to transforming student success across traditional and innovative learning environments. He began his career as a classroom teacher and coach before advancing into leadership roles, including dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and director of student services. His eight years as a director of special education reinforced his commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their needs, receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
For the past seven years, Dr. James has focused on the charter school sector, specializing in non-classroom-based independent study programs. His extensive experience across multiple roles and educational models allows him to bring a unique perspective and strategic solutions to support schools, educators, and students in achieving their full potential.
Feeling frustrated with your child’s IEP and unsure if their services truly support their success? At TEAM Dr. J, we specialize in ensuring your child receives the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) they are entitled to—one that meets their unique needs and helps close the achievement gap with their general education peers.
With over 28 years of experience in the educational field, including eight years as a special education director representing school districts, Dr. Steven James possesses a rich understanding of the system from both sides. His unwavering commitment is to empower every child with disabilities to thrive academically and realize their fullest potential.
Allow us to guide you through the IEP process, advocate passionately for your child’s rights, and secure the necessary services and support. With TEAM Dr. J by your side, you won't have to navigate this journey alone—we are here to support you every step of the way, making the road ahead more transparent and hopeful.. He is deeply committed to ensuring that every child with disabilities has the opportunity to thrive academically and reach their full potential.
Let us guide you through the IEP process, advocate for your child’s rights, and secure the services and support they deserve. With TEAM Dr. J by your side, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—we’re here to help every step of the way.
Is your district or school struggling to maintain compliance or improve performance? Whether you're a charter school identified as low-performing or a district working to meet verified data requirements, TEAM Dr. J is here to help. We can guide your team in pulling and analyzing your data or handle the process for you by providing a thorough analysis, summary, and easy-to-read color-coded charts. These tools will serve as a roadmap to help your school succeed.
Dr. Steven James brings extensive expertise to the table. As a longtime WASC Chairperson with over 25 visits, he has chaired comprehensive, continuation, and charter school evaluations. Dr. James can facilitate or lead focus groups, ensuring a smooth and effective WASC process for your school.
In addition, Dr. James has a proven track record with the Special Education Compliance & Improvement Monitoring (CIM) Process. He has authored reports for districts and facilitated all process phases, including Phase 1: Data Analysis, Phase 2: Root Cause Analysis, Phase 3: Plan Development, and annual progress reports. Let TEAM Dr. J help your school or district achieve compliance, improvement, and success.
Dr. Steven James brings extensive expertise in data analysis and actionable improvement planning, making him an invaluable resource for school districts aiming to enhance student achievement. With his vast experience in analyzing SBAC/CAASPP data, Dr. James can help your district identify strengths, pinpoint areas for growth, and develop targeted goals to improve outcomes. His deep understanding of key metrics such as Distance from Standard (DFS), Writing Extended Response (WER), and performance tasks ensures a clear, data-driven approach to addressing academic challenges.
Dr. James also provides professional training for educators on how to interpret and effectively use data, including insights into ELA Lexile and Mathematics Quantile scores and their correlation with overall student success. His ability to simplify complex data and translate it into actionable strategies empowers districts to make informed decisions that lead to meaningful progress.
Partnering with Dr. James equips your team with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to create a pathway to success for all students. His commitment to driving improvement makes him an ideal collaborator for any district seeking to achieve lasting academic excellence.
Dr. Steven James brings a wealth of expertise to families navigating the complexities of educational compliance, particularly in anti-bullying and Title IX issues. His extensive experience enables him to guide families through these sensitive matters, ensuring their children’s rights are protected and that schools uphold their obligations to provide safe, equitable environments.
Dr. James is committed to empowering families by providing comprehensive support, including clear guidance and advocacy, to address bullying incidents and Title IX concerns effectively. Whether assisting with understanding policies, advocating for proper implementation, or supporting families in holding schools accountable, Dr. James ensures that every child receives the support and protection they deserve.
Don’t wait—act now. Let us guide you through the process, advocate for your child’s rights, and secure the services and support your child needs. Every moment counts, and we are here to help you follow the steps before it’s too late. Contact TEAM Dr. J today to ensure your child’s future is on the right path. Some timelines must be adhered to, and we do not want the issue to continue because these timelines have lapsed.
Dr. Steven James brings a deep understanding of mental health systems and educational compliance to families facing urgent and complex challenges, including situations that may involve 5150, 5250, or 5350 mental health holds. These holds—used in cases where a student may be a danger to themselves or others or gravely disabled due to a mental health condition—can be overwhelming for families to navigate, especially when layered with school-based issues like bullying or Title IX violations.
Dr. James uses his personal and professional experience to help families make sense of the intersection between educational rights and mental health law. He provides clear, compassionate guidance to ensure students receive appropriate care and support while protecting their educational access and legal rights. Whether your child is in crisis or you’re concerned about how the school is responding—or not responding—Dr. James and his team are here to advocate alongside you, ensuring timely action and proper procedures are followed.
Don’t wait—every step matters. Let TEAM Dr. J walk you through this process to ensure your child receives the mental health care and educational protections they need. Deadlines can be critical, and we are committed to acting quickly so that nothing falls through the cracks. Contact us today to take the first step in securing your child’s future.
Dr. James provides this service free of charge and will provide you with the resources and assistance you need.
Parents of a child with special needs describe how Dr. James at Team Dr. J LLC transformed their journey: “Navigating the IEP process was overwhelming, and we struggled to ensure our child received the support they needed. Dr. James stepped in with compassion and expertise, guiding us every step of the way and helping secure the accommodations and services essential for our child’s success.”
Dr. James is committed to empowering families and helping students with special needs unlock their full potential.
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